You ever see a dude walk out of the shop with hair that just looks… effortless? Like the breeze got up under it and made it sit high, all clean around the edges. That’s the blowout taper. Some folks call it a Brooklyn Blowout blowout taper haircut, or a temple fade blowout. Depends who you ask.
I’ve been cutting hair going on twelve years now, and I swear this style comes in waves. Gets popular, fades out, then comes back around with some new twist. What I like about it is it doesn’t need much to look sharp. It’s basically a taper fade around the temples and neckline, and you leave the top longer. You can brush it up, blow dry it, or let it do its thing.
What Makes It Different From a Regular Taper?
So, if you’re wondering how a blowout taper haircut stacks up against a regular taper fade, here’s the gist.
With a traditional taper, you’re gradually blending the sides down to skin or stubble, then cleaning up the neckline tight. Pretty neat and conservative.
The blowout taper feels looser. You still taper the sideburns and neck, but you keep more length up top—sometimes a lot more. You hit it with the blow dryer, maybe a vent brush, and give it some volume. That volume is really what sets it apart. It almost floats, especially if you’ve got thick or wavy hair.
Guys with straight hair can wear it too, but you gotta put in a little styling effort. Some light pomade or volumizing spray does the trick.
Who’s Asking for It These Days?
Honestly, a lot of younger guys. High school and college. But I see grown men come in wanting it too—especially if they grew up when this style was big. It’s got that old-school New York vibe. I’ve had customers show me photos of Pauly D back in the day, or newer spins where folks wear it softer, not so blown out.
It works on most hair textures. Afro hair? Perfect. Straight or wavy? Still good. The key is to taper clean around the ears and nape and keep the top styled up, not flat.
A Few Tips If You’re Thinking About Getting One
If you’re serious about it, here’s what I’d tell you:
- Bring a photo. “Blowout taper” can mean different things to different barbers. One person wants skin faded sides, another just wants a light taper with volume.
- Be prepared for upkeep. Even if you don’t touch the top, the sides will grow out fast and start to look fuzzy. You’ll probably be back in the chair every 2-3 weeks.
- Don’t overdo the product. I see guys slap on half a jar of gel. All that does is weigh it down. A little goes a long way.
Styling and Maintenance
I usually tell clients to wash and condition regularly, especially if they’re using heat tools. Blow drying helps set the shape, but over time it can dry the hair out. Use a leave-in conditioner or a lightweight oil if you get frizz.
For daily styling, most guys just blast it with the blow dryer and run their fingers through. If you like a sharper look, a round brush can lift the roots. Some folks do a quick shape-up in between cuts, but honestly, that’s optional.
Secondary keywords like “taper fade haircut,” “temple fade styles,” and “men’s blowout hairstyle” float around online, but in the shop, people just point and say, “I want it like this.”
Personal Take
Personally, I think the blowout taper haircut has character. It’s not as severe as a skin fade, not as plain as a regular taper. You get some shape up top and still keep it clean around the edges. Looks good with a beard too—taper the sides into the beard so it doesn’t look blocky.
And if you’re into a bit of flair, you can edge the hairline up super crisp. Or leave it more natural if you’re going low-key. I’ve seen all kinds of variations—some guys even throw designs in the taper.
Some days I wish more folks would ask for it. Breaks up the routine of all the mid fades and crew cuts.
Anyway, that’s about it for me rambling about this cut. Feels like it’s due for another wave of popularity. Or maybe it never went away, just simmering under the radar.
FAQs (Real Talk Style)
- Q: Do I need a blow dryer for this cut to look right?
A: Not always, but it helps. The dryer gives you that lift. If you skip it, your hair might just lay flat. - Q: How short are the sides supposed to be?
A: It depends. Some barbers taper down almost to skin, others leave a bit more length. That’s why a photo helps. - Q: Will this work on thinning hair?
A: Maybe, but keep in mind, volume up top needs density. If your hair’s real fine, it might look patchy. - Q: How often do I need to get it cleaned up?
A: Every 2-3 weeks if you want it looking fresh. Longer than that, the taper starts to fade out. - Q: Can I wear a hat without messing it up?
A: You can, but expect to re-fluff it after. Hats flatten everything.